Authors:

Abstract

Background: Developmental regression is a feature seen in some children with autism and is defined as loss of either language or social skills or both, after a period of apparently normal development.   

Objective: To estimate the prevalence of developmental language regression (DLR) in a sample of children with autism aged 18-48 months and study the difference with those without DLR in terms of development, social and family variables and outcome of intervention.

Method: Data was obtained from an already existing database of children with autism attending an intervention programme. Information was obtained from the diagnostic assessment, structured parent interview and outcome data on intervention.

Results: Data was available for 62 children. Prevalence of DLR in this group was 41.9%. Mean age of regression was 18 months. More children with DLR compared to those without, were born after assisted conception (p<0.05). Effect size of outcome of intervention was less favourable for regressed children at 6 months (but not at 3 months).

Conclusion: Prevalence of DLR in this sample of children with autism was 41.9%   

Sri Lanka Journal of Child Health, 2012; 41(1): 15-19

(Key words: Developmental regression; autism; prevalence)

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljch.v41i1.4132

Keywords: Developmental regression, autism, prevalence